400 Islamic State fighters captured when trying to fleeMarch 7, 2019 - 12:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - 400 Islamic State fighters who attempted to flee from their remaining Syrian stronghold were captured on Wednesday, March 6; at the same time, hundreds of others surrendered themselves, a US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) senior commander said. The hundreds of militants who surrendered abandoned Baghouz as part of an evacuation that included civilians. This follows reports citing the SDF as saying that it had resumed its offensive on Baghouz following the evacuation of civilians, adding that only militants remain present in the area. On the same day, SDF Press Office chief Mustafa Bali announced in a Twitter post that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) began a final assault on the Syrian city of Baghouz, the last stronghold of the IS militant group in the country. Earlier reports stated that the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were clearing the village of Baghouz, which is considered the last settlement in Syria controlled by the Islamic State, from militants. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |